Dreams of flying

Captain Gopinath is well known as the man who put millions of middle-class Indians in planes by making air travel affordable. Less known is the unusual story of how this remarkable feat was achieved by a man born into a school teacher's family in the remote village of Gorur in Karnataka.

What makes Captain Gopinath's autobiography Simply Fly appealing is the sheer diversity of the life of this spirited entrepreneur. From a stint in the Army where he took part in the 1971 war that India fought to liberate Bangladesh, to a decade spent turning a barren piece of land into a successful farm, to dabbling in many small enterprises before launching a private helicopter service, Captain Gopinath emerges as the man who never hesitated to risk everything to achieve his dream.

The story of his life is peppered with incidents that chiselled him into a remarkable entrepreneur who could sense business opportunities that lay in a rapidly changing country. For example, as a young boy he is unable to answer any question when taking a competitive exam for a "Sainik School" because the questions are in English. The headmaster's protest with the Defense Ministry gives him another opportunity to appear for the test, this time in his native Kannada. The lesson learnt by the man who, many years later, would struggle with the bureaucracy to launch his helicopter charter company? One has to be "proactive and steer the course to make things happen".

This is exactly what he does, never sticking to just one path, but striking out to do what his heart tells him to do, and what he believes in. He displays unusual grit and steely determination in achieving his goals and dreams.

It is not a smooth ride, and along with the remarkable successes he achieves, we get the inside story of the enormous difficulties he encounters in becoming one of the country's top businessmen. For example, the last minute difficulties he encounters while trying to launch his helicopter company have your attention riveted.

The book has emerged from 260 hours of recorded ramblings, and these include plenty of incidents with which the ordinary reader will connect. We learn about a nikah ceremony that takes place on board a helicopter, about a visit by author John Gray (famous for his book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus) to India to meet a swamiji in whom he had great faith. All these help his business as they generate great publicity.

At times the reader may find their attention wandering from the narrative when Captain Gopinath talks at length about his opinions and ideas. But it is quickly recaptured by the remarkable story of the man who sells out his biggest venture--Deccan Airlines--only to start yet another venture. Despite advice to pocket his profits and sit back, he decides "I am an entrepreneur and will do that which gives me the adrenalin rush; what gives meaning to life. I will build and create, I will start all over again." Certainly this story would be of special interest to budding entrepreneurs.

Harper Collins, Rs. 499

Three Quick reviews

The Gamechanger: This one is for cricket buffs. The Fake IPL Player, whose anonymous blog rattled the cricket world, now discloses its darkest secrets, gurgling gossips, scandals and cheesy humour. It goes beyond what he wrote in his blog and makes for a quick and gripping read.

Harper Collins, Rs. 199

Himalaya Lens and Passion: Full of anecdotes and stunning images of the Himalayas, photographer Ashok Dilwali captures the beauty of these mountains in this book. It depicts various aspects of nature and takes the traveller to many places. His interesting accounts make the book really fascinating.

Kinsey Bros, Rs. 750

Fort Cochin history and untold stories: Tanya Abraham traces the history of her birthplace and this wonderful town in Kerala. This book covers important details of its history and personal anecdotes of people who have gone through these times makes all the difference. It makes for an interesting read if history fascinates you.

Ink on Paper, Rs. 350

Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn't like in the comments